The Karnataka state government is set to unveil a new policy on the management of homestays by January-February 2025, according to K.V. Rajendra, Director of Tourism. Speaking at “Connect 2024,” an interactive session with tourism and hospitality stakeholders in Kodagu, held at a resort near Madikeri on Thursday, Rajendra acknowledged that the need for a comprehensive homestay policy has been a long-standing demand.
Rajendra revealed that discussions on the issue have taken place at the government level, and the new policy will include guidelines on the management and registration process for homestays. It will also outline the procedure for obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which will be mandatory for homestay operations in the state. As homestays are often located within the homes of their owners, the policy will provide clarity on how they should be regulated while ensuring safety and quality for tourists.
The tourism director also encouraged homestay owners to register their properties, emphasizing that the government would offer full support to those that meet basic standards for tourist accommodation. He added that the policy aims to boost tourism and provide employment opportunities for local youth through Vocational Skill Development programs, which will be rolled out across all districts of Karnataka.
Monti Ganesh, a representative of the Kodagu Homestays Association, noted that over 2,200 homestays have been registered in Kodagu since the concept was introduced in the district around 2003. He welcomed the upcoming policy and urged the government to provide more incentives for homestay owners to register their properties, further supporting the growth of the local tourism industry.
